With the participation of distinguished personalities from the diplomatic, academic, and institutional sectors, the event “Understanding Tomorrow’s International System: From Academic Simulations to Active Citizenship” was held with great success on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the packed TMEDE Conference Hall. The event was organized by the Organizing Committee of RhodesMRC.
The event served as the official launch for the Rhodes Model Regional Co-operation – RhodesMRC 2026, highlighting the role of academic simulations as the ultimate tool for familiarizing young people with the international political scene, diplomacy, and, ultimately, active citizenship.
The event was opened by Mr. Konstantinos Makedos, President of TMEDE, who underlined the Fund’s steadfast support for initiatives that promote knowledge and extroversion, especially for the younger generation.
In his greeting, His Grace the Bishop of Talantion, Mr. Theologos, Director General of the Pastoral Training Institute of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens—representing His Beatitude Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece—emphasized the educational value and innovation of simulations and the need for broader synergies on issues concerning youth.
Mr. Antonios Giannikouris, Secretary General of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), focused on the need for young scientists to perceive international balances, making special reference to the necessity of diffusing this understanding across every scientific field.
The Vice President of the National Youth Council, Mr. Stelios Maridakis, praised the initiative and the history of RhodesMRC, declaring the Council’s support and inviting stakeholders and youth to engage in further partnerships.
Mr. Leonidas Assimakopoulos, Senior Communications Manager and Founding Member of the International and European Affairs Group (ODETH), also confirmed the significance of RhodesMRC and the enduring work of the House of Europe in Rhodes.
Closing the introductory cycle, the Head of the Organizing Committee of RhodesMRC and President of the House of Europe in Rhodes, Mr. Michael G. Kavuklis, noted the timeless value of RhodesMRC. He highlighted how the institution brings together entities from around the world to promote active participation, expressing pride in the fact that RhodesMRC alumni now staff the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international organizations, and major corporations, continuing to support the effort that began in 2010.
Panel Discussion: In the main panel, moderated by Ms. Athina Fatsea (ELIAMEP), an in-depth analysis of new threats and global shifts took place. Ms. Elena Lazarou (Director General of ELIAMEP) and Dr. Triantafyllos Karatrantos analyzed contemporary threats, focusing not only on ongoing armed conflicts but also on technological progress, such as Artificial Intelligence, which creates new standards and practices. Mr. Konstantinos Kourtelis (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Mr. Andreas Papaiosif (RhodesMRC) spoke about the transition from theory to practice, noting that RhodesMRC provides participants with the tools to become tomorrow’s leaders by offering a deep understanding of how the world works, while simultaneously highlighting the human dimension within diplomatic processes.
In the second part, moderated by Mr. Dimitris Lolitsas, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, the vision for the current year was presented. Ms. Alexandra Moutropoulou (Secretary General of the University Edition) and Mr. Alexandros Mouratidis (Deputy Secretary General of the High School Edition) announced the cutting-edge themes to be discussed in Rhodes. Ms. Anna Kalamata presented the expanded program of the RhodesMRC Academy and upcoming open seminars. Finally, Mr. Konstantinos Drakopoulos invited young people to join the volunteer team, envisioning RhodesMRC as a “nursery” for volunteers who gain professional skills through specialized training.
In a concluding statement, Mr. Stefanos Vallianatos, Head of the International Relations Department of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture and Co-Head of the Anna Lindh Foundation Greek Network, noted the importance of Greek youth investing time and effort into such beneficial and extroverted organizations.
The event was coordinated by the Communications Officer of RhodesMRC, Mr. Nikolaos Tsironis.
It was held under the auspices of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), with the kind hospitality of TMEDE and the support of We Are Greece.
—
RhodesMRC 2026 is organized by the House of Europe in Rhodes, the Region of the South Aegean, the City of Rhodes, the Chamber of Dodecanese, the Department of Mediterranean Studies of the University of the Aegean, and Europe Direct South Aegean.
- University Edition: October 7-11, 2026
- High School Edition: November 7-8, 2026
